Old Mervue lead levels improves

Lead levels in the older areas of Galway have dropped and not spread across the city, it has been stated.

Director for Transport and Infrastructure Ciaran Hayes has spoken out following reports that the levels of lead had hit the entire city and claims that the reports are "factually wrong", reports the Galway Advertiser.

Reports claim that lead levels are as high as 314mg across parts of the city, but Mr Hayes stated that he didn't know where this information was coming from and only a maximum of ten per cent of homes were affected by the problem.

He said: "The exposure is only confined to the older parts of the city.

"We're also very encouraged by some of the results we have received. They are showing that the actions the council has taken, such as the pH level adjustment at Terryland, are working."

He added that significant improvements had been witnessed at Old Mervue, the worst hit area, with levels now averaging 50 to 60mg per litre.

At the end of last week the city council began surveying work to start a lead pipe replacement in the Old Mervue area.